Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Outline:
- Python and computational geometry using shapely
- The Gerber format
- Design rules for PCBs
- River routing
- Board #1: Dazzler
- Neat thing: signal permutation
- Returning to basics: breadboard replacement
- Generating a whole board just from a list of parts
- No autorouter, just a very simple topology
- Example: chicken coop computer
- Example: a giant clock made with a for loop
- A rethink, PCBs give us too much geometric freedom
- What if we used a cell-based layout, cough, Factorio
- Dual layer hex grids?
- The hex grid gauge can be well-matched to the design rules
- Each component's pads are routed to the hex grid, examples
- From then on it's cell-based routing through the grids, pretty simple
- Example: TermDriver 2
- The future? More grid-based layout, a sketch of a future flow
*About the Speaker*
In James' words: "I'm dedicated to building useful hardware and software, particularly where embedded systems meet graphics and imaging. Probably my best known public projects are the Gameduino series of game accessory boards, and the J1 CPU. I have benefited immensely from Open Source hardware and software, so I try to open source as much as I can."
*About Teardown*
Teardown is a yearly event hosted by Crowd Supply that draws hackers, makers, and engineers from across the US (and the world) to meet together in Portland, Oregon. Teardown is about the practice of hardware: prototyping, manufacturing, testing, disassembling, and circumventing, all while having fun. Teardown attendees can expect lively talks, demos, art installations, hands-on workshops, fiendish puzzles, and lots of good food. Check it out! crowdsupply.com/teardown
*About Crowd Supply*
Crowd Supply is the crowdfunding platform of choice for engineers, hackers, designers, and idealists. We help them with the funding and support they need to deliver respectful, thoughtfully crafted, open source hardware to their delighted backers. Come see what our creators are making: https://www.crowdsupply.com!
YouTube: youtube.com/@crowd_supply
Instagram: instagram.com/crowdsupply
Discord: discord.com/invite/7p5huQ
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/crowdsupply
Mastodon: hachyderm.io/@crowdsupply
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crowdsupply.bsky.social
#opensourcehardware #hardwarehacking #opensource #hardware #teardown #maker #hacker #electronics #crowdsupply #crowdfunding #manufacturing
Outline:
- Python and computational geometry using shapely
- The Gerber format
- Design rules for PCBs
- River routing
- Board #1: Dazzler
- Neat thing: signal permutation
- Returning to basics: breadboard replacement
- Generating a whole board just from a list of parts
- No autorouter, just a very simple topology
- Example: chicken coop computer
- Example: a giant clock made with a for loop
- A rethink, PCBs give us too much geometric freedom
- What if we used a cell-based layout, cough, Factorio
- Dual layer hex grids?
- The hex grid gauge can be well-matched to the design rules
- Each component's pads are routed to the hex grid, examples
- From then on it's cell-based routing through the grids, pretty simple
- Example: TermDriver 2
- The future? More grid-based layout, a sketch of a future flow
*About the Speaker*
In James' words: "I'm dedicated to building useful hardware and software, particularly where embedded systems meet graphics and imaging. Probably my best known public projects are the Gameduino series of game accessory boards, and the J1 CPU. I have benefited immensely from Open Source hardware and software, so I try to open source as much as I can."
*About Teardown*
Teardown is a yearly event hosted by Crowd Supply that draws hackers, makers, and engineers from across the US (and the world) to meet together in Portland, Oregon. Teardown is about the practice of hardware: prototyping, manufacturing, testing, disassembling, and circumventing, all while having fun. Teardown attendees can expect lively talks, demos, art installations, hands-on workshops, fiendish puzzles, and lots of good food. Check it out! crowdsupply.com/teardown
*About Crowd Supply*
Crowd Supply is the crowdfunding platform of choice for engineers, hackers, designers, and idealists. We help them with the funding and support they need to deliver respectful, thoughtfully crafted, open source hardware to their delighted backers. Come see what our creators are making: https://www.crowdsupply.com!
YouTube: youtube.com/@crowd_supply
Instagram: instagram.com/crowdsupply
Discord: discord.com/invite/7p5huQ
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/crowdsupply
Mastodon: hachyderm.io/@crowdsupply
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crowdsupply.bsky.social
#opensourcehardware #hardwarehacking #opensource #hardware #teardown #maker #hacker #electronics #crowdsupply #crowdfunding #manufacturing
